FIT1003 IT in organizations - Semester 2 , 2008
Unit leader :
Kim Styles
Lecturer(s) :
Tutors(s) :
Clayton
-
Pamela Spink
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Ruben Hopmans
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Osama Dandash
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Erica Foley
Introduction
Welcome to FIT1003 IT in Organizations. This 6 point unit is core to all undergraduate degree programs in the Faculty of IT except the Bachelor of Software Engineering. The unit has been designed to provide you with an understanding of organizations, the contexts within which information technologies are used, and the IT professions. It explores many aspects of IT with emphasis on the relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application using cases and real examples.
Unit synopsis
The unit will provide you with an introduction and broad overview of the application of IT to the management of information in organisations, and the role of the IT professional in developing and implementing IT-based solutions to information problems. The discussion of the organisational framework for IT and IT professional practice will be set within its broader social context. The opportunities, problems and risks associated with IT will be examined, together with their implications for the rights and responsibilities of IT professionals.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this unit you will have knowledge and understanding of: - Basic concepts of information, including organisational and social issues relating to the ownership and control of information;
- Basic concepts of information systems, including their role and importance in organisations and society;
- Basic concepts of organisations, including organisational structures, the roles of individuals and groups in organisations, the role of communication in achieving organisational objectives, and the nature of communication in organisations;
- Basic concepts of IT as it is used in organisations and society, including the evolution of the role of IT in organisations and society;
- Information technologies and information technology infrastructures employed by organisations;
- The business and information management processes and functions for which IT is used in organisations, and in which IT professionals are involved;
- Opportunities, risks and liabilities arising from the usage and application of IT in organisations;
- Processes of acquiring, developing and managing IT in organisations;
- Techniques and tools for describing and analysing business processes in organisations;
- The roles of IT workers in organisations and the range of ethical and professional rights and responsibilities associated with them;
- Organisational and social issues arising from the use of IT in organisations, including privacy and civil liberties issues.
You will be able to: - Recognise the importance of information to organisational processes and functions;
- Recognise the opportunities and limitations of the role which IT can play in managing information in organisations;
- Appreciate the importance of the IT practitioner's role in organisations and society, and the responsibilities it entails.
- Document organisational information-related functions and processes;
- Assess the potential scope for using IT as part of the solution to an organisational information problem;
- Identify and discuss issues, problems and opportunities in using IT in organisations;
- Identify and discuss the organisational and social impacts of IT, and the ethical dimensions of IT-related decisions.
You will: - Recognise the team skills necessary for successful development and implementation of IT solutions to information problems in organisations;
- Appreciate the importance of the inter-relationships between IT professionals and the stakeholders in IT-based systems in organisations.
Workload
Workload commitments are:
Unit relationships
Prerequisites
There are no prerequisites for this unit.
Relationships
This is a common core unit for all Faculty of IT undergraduate degrees (except Bachelor of Software Engineering). Students studying degrees of other Faculties may take FIT1003 as an elective where their course rules permit.
Continuous improvement
Monash is committed to ‘Excellence in education' and strives for the highest possible quality in teaching and learning. To monitor how successful we are in providing quality teaching and learning Monash regularly seeks feedback from students, employers and staff. Two of the formal ways that you are invited to provide feedback are through Unit Evaluations and through Monquest Teaching Evaluations. One of the key formal ways students have to provide feedback is through Unit Evaluation Surveys. It is Monash policy for every unit offered to be evaluated each year. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the surveys as they are an important avenue for students to "have their say". The feedback is anonymous and provides the Faculty with evidence of aspects that students are satisfied and areas for improvement.
Student Evaluations
The Faculty of IT administers the Unit Evaluation surveys online through the my.monash portal, although for some smaller classes there may be alternative evaluations conducted in class. If you wish to view how previous students rated this unit, please go to http://www.monash.edu.au/unit-evaluation-reports/ Over the past few years the Faculty of Information Technology has made a number of improvements to its courses as a result of unit evaluation feedback. Some of these include systematic analysis and planning of unit improvements, and consistent assignment return guidelines. Monquest Teaching Evaluation surveys may be used by some of your academic staff this semester. They are administered by the Centre for Higher Education Quality (CHEQ) and may be completed in class with a facilitator or on-line through the my.monash portal. The data provided to lecturers is completely anonymous. Monquest surveys provide academic staff with evidence of the effectiveness of their teaching and identify areas for improvement. Individual Monquest reports are confidential, however, you can see the summary results of Monquest evaluations for 2006 at http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/cheq/evaluations/monquest/profiles/index.html
Improvements to this unit
In 2008 FIT1003 is going through its next phase of review and development. A text book has been adopted replacing the many readings which were used in 2006 and 2007. The teaching team is using a research based approach to redeveloping teaching strategies. We are continuing to improve the teaching approaches and content of the unit, so we value your inputs on what works for you and improvements you would like to see.
Teaching and learning method
FIT1003 provides students with a comprehensive set of weekly study guides, readings, tutorials and solutions to facilitate their learning. The lectures and tutorials will build on these teaching resources rather than reproduce them, and are an opportunity for you to raise questions. Lectures: You are strongly advised to read through the study guide prior to the lecture, as two hours is far too short to cover all the important concepts. Emphasis in lectures will be given to providing examples of the concepts and discussing some of the debates that these ideas provoke. Tutorials: Each week's material is accompanied by a set of tutorial questions, usually drawn from the textbook, that play two roles: - Lets you test how well you have understood the content;
- They form the basis of the interaction you will have with other students and your tutor during the tutorial classes.
You are expected to have completed all or a subset of the questions prior to attending the class. In some cases students will be responsible for tutorial activities and so will need to prepare for the class. The tutorial classes will be used to discuss the questions that you have identified while you are attempting the set problems, and to explore some of these concepts in greater depth. Normally your lecturer will advise you which questions will be addressed during the tutorial class. The two assignments will provide you with feedback of your grasp of the content as well as record a mark toward your final grade.
Timetable information
For information on timetabling for on-campus classes at all Australian campuses please refer to MUTTS, http://mutts.monash.edu.au/MUTTS/
The timetable for FIT1003 at the Sunway campus will be available locally. Please check your local website for details.
Tutorial allocation
On-campus students should register for tutorials/laboratories using the Allocate+ system: http://allocate.cc.monash.edu.au/
Off-campus distributed learning or flexible delivery
.
Communication, participation and feedback
Monash aims to provide a learning environment in which students receive a range of ongoing feedback throughout their studies. You will receive feedback on your work and progress in this unit. This may take the form of group feedback, individual feedback, peer feedback, self-comparison, verbal and written feedback, discussions (on line and in class) as well as more formal feedback related to assignment marks and grades. You are encouraged to draw on a variety of feedback to enhance your learning. It is essential that you take action immediately if you realise that you have a problem that is affecting your study. Semesters are short, so we can help you best if you let us know as soon as problems arise. Regardless of whether the problem is related directly to your progress in the unit, if it is likely to interfere with your progress you should discuss it with your lecturer or a Community Service counsellor as soon as possible.
Unit Schedule
Week |
Topic |
Study guide |
References/Readings |
Key dates |
1 |
Introduction to Organisations |
Study Guide 1 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapter 5 |
|
2 |
Information and Information Systems |
Study Guide 2 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapters 6 & 9 |
|
3 |
Introduction to Business Processes |
Study Guide 3 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapters 2 & 3, Plug-ins B1, B2, B8, B9 & B10 |
|
4 |
Information Technologies in the Organisation |
Study Guide 4 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapters 4 & 13, Plug-ins B3, B4 & B5 |
|
5 |
Supporting Business Functions with IT |
Study Guide 5 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapters 3, 10, 11 & 12, Plug-ins B8, B9 & B10 |
Assignment 1 due |
6 |
Developing Successful IT Systems - Part 1 |
Study Guide 6 & 7 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapters 17 & 18, Plug-ins B13, B14 & B15 |
|
7 |
Developing Successful IT Systems - Part 2 |
Study Guide 6 & 7 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapters 17 & 18, Plug-ins B13, B14 & B15 |
|
8 |
Communication Concepts |
Study Guide 8 |
FIT1003 Digitised Reading: Week 8 - Ellyard, S. & Braham, B., Communication for IT AND Whitten, JL & Bentley, LD, Systems Analysis and Design Methods |
|
9 |
Working in Teams |
Study Guide 9 |
FIT1003 Digitised Reading: Week 9 - DeJanasz, S.C., Dowd, K.O., & Schneder, B.Z., Interpersonal skills in organisations |
|
10 |
Communication in Organisations |
Study Guide 10 |
FIT1003 Digitised Reading: Week 10 - Dwyer, J., Communication in Business : Strategies and Skills |
Assignment 2 due |
11 |
Managing IT Security |
Study Guide 11 |
Business Driven Technology - Chapters 5 & 19, Plug-ins B4 & B6 AND FIT1003 Digitised Reading: Week 11 - Greasley, A (ed), Bocij, P, Chaffey, D & Hickie, Business Information Systems : Technology, Development and Management for the e-business |
|
Mid semester break |
12 |
Professional Issues |
Study Guide 12 |
Business Driven Technology - Plug-in B7 |
Assignment 3 due |
13 |
Revision |
Study Guide 13 |
|
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Unit Resources
Prescribed text(s) and readings
Haag, Baltzan and Phillips, Business Driven Technology, 2nd edition, McGraw-Hill Irwin, 2008 ISBN: 978-0-07312368-4 Weekly readings, cases and problems are set from this text. Failure to obtain or have access to the textbook will not be grounds for special consideration. Limited numbers of copies are available for short term loan from some libraries, but you should not rely on these. Library acquisition processes do not ensure availability from the start of the semester at all locations. Digitised readings for some topics are available from the FIT1003 Reading List: http://www.lib.monash.edu.au/resourcelists/f/fit1003.html
Recommended text(s) and readings
Curtis, G. and Codham, D. (2005) Business Information Systems Prentice-Hall Dwyer, J. (2005) Communication in Business: Strategies and Skills 3rd edition, Perason Education, Australia. Eunson, B. (2005), Communicating in the 21st Century, John Wiley & Sons, Australia
Required software and/or hardware
There is no specific recommended software for the unit, however you will need access to: - An Internet browser with Acrobat Reader
- A word processor
- A simple graphics editor such as that in Word or PowerPoint, which is useful but not essential
Software may be: - purchased at academic price at good software retailers
Equipment and consumables required or provided
You are able to use the facilities available in the computing labs at university campuses. Information about computer use for students is available from the ITS Student Resource Guide in the Monash University Handbook.
Study resources
Study resources we will provide for your study are:
- 12 Study Guides published on the Unit Website in Moodle
- This Unit Guide outlining the administrative information for the unit
- The FIT1003 web site on Moodle, where study guides, lecture slides, weekly tutorial requirements, assignment specifications, sample solutions and supplementary material will be posted.
- Communication information and newsgroups/discussion groups for each campus that can be linked to from the Unit Homepage.
You are expected to purchase or have regular substantial access to the prescribed text book. You will not be granted extensions or special consideration for assessment on the grounds that you were not able to obtain a copy if the bookshop has copies for sale.
Library access
The Monash University Library site contains details about borrowing rights and catalogue searching. To learn more about the library and the various resources available, please go to http://www.lib.monash.edu.au. Be sure to obtain a copy of the Library Guide, and if necessary, the instructions for remote access from the library website.
Monash University Studies Online (MUSO)
All unit and lecture materials are available through MUSO (Monash University Studies Online). Blackboard is the primary application used to deliver your unit resources. Some units will be piloted in Moodle. If your unit is piloted in Moodle, you will see a link from your Blackboard unit to Moodle (http://moodle.monash.edu.au) and can bookmark this link to access directly. In Moodle, from the Faculty of Information Technology category, click on the link for your unit.
You can access MUSO and Blackboard via the portal: http://my.monash.edu.au
Click on the Study and enrolment tab, then Blackboard under the MUSO learning systems.
In order for your Blackboard unit(s) to function correctly, your computer needs to be correctly configured.
For example:
- Blackboard supported browser
- Supported Java runtime environment
For more information, please visit: http://www.monash.edu.au/muso/support/students/downloadables-student.html
You can contact the MUSO Support by: Phone: (+61 3) 9903 1268
For further contact information including operational hours, please visit: http://www.monash.edu.au/muso/support/students/contact.html
Further information can be obtained from the MUSO support site: http://www.monash.edu.au/muso/support/index.html
Assessment
Unit assessment policy
The unit is assessed with two assignments representing 40% of the marks and a three hour closed book examination representing 60% of the marks. To pass the unit you must : - score 40% or more in the unit's examination and
- 40% or more in the assignments and
- an overall unit mark of 50% or more
If a student does not achieve 40% or more in the unit examination or the unit non-examination assessment then a mark of no greater than 44-N will be recorded for the unit.
Assignment tasks
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Assignment Task
Title :
Assignment 1: IT & IS in Organisations
Description :
The assignment is an individual assignment based on a case study of an organisation. You will present the assignment as a report.
Weighting :
15%
Criteria for assessment :
The criteria used to assess submissions are: - Correctness and understanding - there may be more than one "right" answer in many cases. We will look for answers that reflect understanding of the underlying principles and theories.
- Completeness - that you have answered all parts of each question.
- Presentation - that you have presented your answers in a suitably formatted report style.
- Use of evidence and argument - you are able to explain your position by using logical argument drawing on the theory presented in the unit.
Due date :
Week 5
Remarks ( optional - leave blank for none ) :
-
Assignment Task
Title :
Assignment 2: Systems Development and Communication
Description :
This assignment will have both group and individual components. It will require your team to report on your analysis of a business problem and present a proposed solution to a client using a range communication techniques. It will address objectives relating to: - Understanding typical business functions and strategies used by business organisations to achieve their purposes and appreciating the integral nature of information technology in the success of these business strategies;
- Understanding some of the different development methods used to develop IT systems;
- Explaining the key principles that underlie successful systems development;
- Understanding the importance of communication to the IT professional;
- Using communication theories to describe and analyse communication.
Weighting :
20%
Criteria for assessment :
The criteria used to assess submissions are: - Correctness and understanding - there may be more than one "right" answer in many cases. We will look for answers that reflect understanding of the underlying principles and theories.
- Completeness - that you have answered all parts of each question.
- Presentation - that you have presented your answers using the appropriate communication method.
- Use of evidence and argument - you are able to explain your position by using logical argument drawing on the theory presented in the unit.
Due date :
Week 10
Remarks ( optional - leave blank for none ) :
-
Assignment Task
Title :
Assignment 3: Presentation
Description :
Presentation of system to client
Weighting :
5%
Criteria for assessment :
- evidence of preparation
- conduct of presentation
- quality of visual aids
- presentation style
Due date :
Week 12
Remarks ( optional - leave blank for none ) :
Examinations
Assignment submission
You will be advised of assignment submission processes and requirements for your campus on the FIT1003 website.
Assignment coversheets
You should complete, sign the plagiarism declaration and attach the Faculty of IT cover sheet to all assignment submissions. The cover sheet is available via "Student assignment coversheets" on the Faculty website:( http://infotech.monash.edu.au/resources/student/assignments/ ) or in the Moodle site for the unit.
University and Faculty policy on assessment
Due dates and extensions
The due dates for the submission of assignments are given in the previous section. Please make every effort to submit work by the due dates. It is your responsibility to structure your study program around assignment deadlines, family, work and other commitments. Factors such as normal work pressures, vacations, etc. are seldom regarded as appropriate reasons for granting extensions. Students are advised to NOT assume that granting of an extension is a matter of course.
Requests for extensions must be made to the unit lecturer at your campus at least two days before the due date. You will be asked to forward original medical certificates in cases of illness, and may be asked to provide other forms of documentation where necessary. A copy of the email or other written communication of an extension must be attached to the assignment submission.
Late assignment
Assignments received after the due date will be subject to a penalty of 5% per day. Assignments received later than one week (seven days) after the due date will not normally be accepted. In some cases, this period may be shorter if there is a need to release sample solutions.
Return dates
Students can expect assignments to be returned within two weeks of the submission date or after receipt, whichever is later. Assessment for the unit as a whole is in accordance with the provisions of the Monash University Education Policy at http://www.policy.monash.edu/policy-bank/academic/education/assessment/
We will aim to have assignment results made available to you within two weeks after assignment receipt. A sample solution to the assignments will be released after all assignments have been returned.
Plagiarism, cheating and collusion
Plagiarism and cheating are regarded as very serious offences. In cases where cheating has been confirmed, students have been severely penalised, from losing all marks for an assignment, to facing disciplinary action at the Faculty level. While we would wish that all our students adhere to sound ethical conduct and honesty, I will ask you to acquaint yourself with Student Rights and Responsibilities (http://www.infotech.monash.edu.au/about/committees-groups/facboard/policies/studrights.html) and the Faculty regulations that apply to students detected cheating as these will be applied in all detected cases. In this University, cheating means seeking to obtain an unfair advantage in any examination or any other written or practical work to be submitted or completed by a student for assessment. It includes the use, or attempted use, of any means to gain an unfair advantage for any assessable work in the unit, where the means is contrary to the instructions for such work. When you submit an individual assessment item, such as a program, a report, an essay, assignment or other piece of work, under your name you are understood to be stating that this is your own work. If a submission is identical with, or similar to, someone else's work, an assumption of cheating may arise. If you are planning on working with another student, it is acceptable to undertake research together, and discuss problems, but it is not acceptable to jointly develop or share solutions unless this is specified by your lecturer. Intentionally providing students with your solutions to assignments is classified as "assisting to cheat" and students who do this may be subject to disciplinary action. You should take reasonable care that your solution is not accidentally or deliberately obtained by other students. For example, do not leave copies of your work in progress on the hard drives of shared computers, and do not show your work to other students. If you believe this may have happened, please be sure to contact your lecturer as soon as possible. Cheating also includes taking into an examination any material contrary to the regulations, including any bilingual dictionary, whether or not with the intention of using it to obtain an advantage. Plagiarism involves the false representation of another person's ideas, or findings, as your own by either copying material or paraphrasing without citing sources. It is both professional and ethical to reference clearly the ideas and information that you have used from another writer. If the source is not identified, then you have plagiarised work of the other author. Plagiarism is a form of dishonesty that is insulting to the reader and grossly unfair to your student colleagues.
Register of counselling about plagiarism
The university requires faculties to keep a simple and confidential register to record counselling to students about plagiarism (e.g. warnings). The register is accessible to Associate Deans Teaching (or nominees) and, where requested, students concerned have access to their own details in the register. The register is to serve as a record of counselling about the nature of plagiarism, not as a record of allegations; and no provision of appeals in relation to the register is necessary or applicable.
Non-discriminatory language
The Faculty of Information Technology is committed to the use of non-discriminatory language in all forms of communication. Discriminatory language is that which refers in abusive terms to gender, race, age, sexual orientation, citizenship or nationality, ethnic or language background, physical or mental ability, or political or religious views, or which stereotypes groups in an adverse manner. This is not meant to preclude or inhibit legitimate academic debate on any issue; however, the language used in such debate should be non-discriminatory and sensitive to these matters. It is important to avoid the use of discriminatory language in your communications and written work. The most common form of discriminatory language in academic work tends to be in the area of gender inclusiveness. You are, therefore, requested to check for this and to ensure your work and communications are non-discriminatory in all respects.
Students with disabilities
Students with disabilities that may disadvantage them in assessment should seek advice from one of the following before completing assessment tasks and examinations:
Deferred assessment and special consideration
Deferred assessment (not to be confused with an extension for submission of an assignment) may be granted in cases of extenuating personal circumstances such as serious personal illness or bereavement. Information and forms for Special Consideration and deferred assessment applications are available at http://www.monash.edu.au/exams/special-consideration.html. Contact the Faculty's Student Services staff at your campus for further information and advice.
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